New Delhi: India’s quest for buying 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for its naval plane carriers has moved a step nearer, because the French authorities has submitted its formal response to India’s tender, sources within the Defence Ministry mentioned. The response consists of the terms-conditions and pricing of the deal, which is estimated to be round Rs 50,000 crore, information company IANS quoting defence sources mentioned. The French bid was delivered in New Delhi by a crew of French authorities officers who cope with army gross sales to different international locations. The Indian Navy wants the Rafale Marine jets to function on its two plane carriers – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant – which at the moment use the MiG-29s.
The Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, had earlier authorized the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine jets together with associated tools, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew coaching and logistic assist from the French authorities by way of an Inter-Governmental Settlement (IGA).
The Defence Ministry mentioned that the worth and different phrases of buy can be negotiated with the French authorities after contemplating all related components, such because the comparative procurement value of comparable plane by different international locations.
The contract will even embody the mixing of Indian designed equipments and the institution of a Upkeep, Restore and Operations (MRO) hub for numerous programs.
The Indian Defence Ministry had additionally issued an in depth letter of request (LoR) to the French Directorate Normal of Armaments for the proposed deal. The LoR specified that the deal would comprise 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat trainers, together with weapons, simulator, spares, crew coaching and logistics assist, sources mentioned.
Defence specialists mentioned that France has now responded with its provide, pricing and different particulars. The contract can be signed after the associated fee negotiations and the approval of the Cupboard Committee on Safety. The deliveries will begin in three years.
Defence specialists additionally mentioned that there’s an pressing want for plane and submarines, because the Indian Navy has been going through shortages and must improve its capabilities in view of the safety challenges, particularly within the Indian Ocean area. India is prone to search some low cost within the value and can also demand extra ‘Make In India’ content material within the deal,
